LLEWELLYN’S Little Book of crystals
Margaret Ann Lembo is the author of Chakra Awakening; The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals and Stones; The Angels & Gemstone Guardians Cards; Color Your Life with Crystals; and Animal Totems and the Gemstone Kingdom. She is also the creator of a line of award-winning Aroma-Energetic Sprays. She is a spiritual entrepreneur, aromatherapist, and the owner of The Crystal Garden—a bookstore, gift store, and spiritual center in southeast Florida since 1988. Visit her online at www.Margaret AnnLembo.com or www.TheCrystalGarden.com.
This book is dedicated to all the customers of my store, The Crystal Garden, who have taught me through experience over the past four decades. I am grateful.
LLEWELLYN’S
Little Book of crystals
MARGARET ANN LEMBO
Llewellyn’s Little Book of Crystals © 2025 by Margaret Ann Lembo. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, including Internet usage, without written permission from Llewellyn Publications, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems.
FIRST EDITION
First Printing, 2025
Cover cartouche by Freepik
Cover design by Shira Atakpu
Crystal images by Andy Frame
Interior illustration on page 46 by Llewellyn Art Department
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ISBN: 978-0-7387-8015-3
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Introduction: My Life with Crystals 1
1: Bringing Crystals into Your Life: How to Find Them, How to Care for Them, and More 7
2: Crystals All Day Long 27
3: Forty Crystals and Their Correspondences 43 Conclusion 205 Recommended Reading 207
While best efforts have been used in preparing this book, neither the author nor the publisher shall be held liable or responsible to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained herein. Every situation is different, and the advice and strategies contained in this book may not be suitable for you.
In the following pages, you will find recommendations for the use of certain essential oils and herbal remedies. Each body reacts differently to herbs, essential oils, and other items, so results may vary person to person. If you are allergic to any of these oils or herbs, please refrain from use.
Essential oils are potent; use care when handling them. Never ingest essential oils. There are numerous methods of application for essential oils. Avoid prolonged or excessive inhalation. Always dilute essential oils before placing them on your skin. Do not apply the same essential oil for prolonged periods of time. Keep essential oils away from children and pets, as they can be toxic. Consult a medical professional before using essential oils if you are pregnant.
Crystals have varying toxicity levels. Never ingest a crystal. Do not drink water that has had gemstones soaking in it, as unknown and potentially poisonous minerals can leech out of the stone into the water.
My Life with Crystals
Are you ready to use crystals, minerals, and stones to improve your life? You can transform your life if you choose. You can be healthier, happier, and more content—all you need is a crystal. This book will offer exercises, tips, and practices to incorporate the use of crystals in your daily life. Having crystals around me all the time has benefited my life tremendously. The energies and vibrations of crystals are uplifting. I own and operate a crystal shop, and I love the amazement on the faces of customers when they walk into the main crystal showroom. They tell me they feel like a kid in
a candy shop. Working and playing with crystals is a stunning experience, literally—gemstones sparkle and shine and draw you into their matrix. It’s a beautiful experience to connect with a specific crystal or, more likely, a spectacular collection of crystals, minerals, and stones.
In this book, you will uncover various methods to use crystals for personal fulfillment and spiritual awareness. There are many ways to use gemstones for self-confidence, courage, better sleep, focus, creativity, and more! That is what this little book is about. But first, I think it would be useful to share some of my experiences with crystals and how I got to where I am today.
I was raised Catholic in Brooklyn and Breezy Point, New York. Like most children, rocks fascinated me when I was young, and I collected them in little boxes over the years alongside my collection of seashells. My training in metaphysics started at a young age. My mother, a devout Catholic, taught me about communication with the plant kingdom and mental telepathy. Yes! We talked to the plants then, and I still talk to the plants (and the insects, birds, and animals) in my garden today. My mom was a prophetic dreamer, so discussing dreams and their meanings was normal in my household. We even read the zodiac column in the Daily News every morning.
In addition, my dad’s best friend, Vic, introduced me to the power of positive thought and the magic of believing when I was about eight years old. Vic introduced me to Edgar Cayce’s teachings. Things have come full circle now because Edgar Cayce’s Association of Research and Enlightenment carries my books, decks, and aromatherapy spray blends in its gift shop.
I didn’t start out working in the metaphysical world, though. First, I embarked on a financial career. Then, the stock market crashed. This catapulted me out of mortgage banking and into a career in metaphysics, spirituality, crystals, and aromatherapy. This new career chose me—I didn’t choose it. In the 1980s, I was invited to participate and invest in a crystal-buying venture with two friends who were off to Arkansas. I invested as a silent partner, but before I knew it, I wasn’t so silent. Investing in this venture reignited my childhood interest in collecting and inspired me to learn about the qualities and uses of crystals. This business venture became a huge part of my life. I opened The Crystal Garden in South Florida in August 1988, and using crystals for healing and personal development became my passion.
Once you start your own collection of crystals, you’ll get to know them on a personal level; they will feel like good friends who support you. The more I interacted with gemstones by buying and selling them for my store, the more I learned about them. And of course, I learned so much from the customers who
Crystals for Careers in Art
The culinary arts provide people with nourishment via delicious foods. Apatite is a perfect companion for chefs. Creating meals transcends just the preparation; focusing on gratitude as you prepare meals allows for more profound assimilation. Apatite also helps you align with and maintain mindfulness, removing thoughts that create chaos. Finally, apatite supports food absorption. Blue topaz is the stone of inspiration and harmony, a good match for musicians. Use blue topaz to connect with your muse. It encourages mental clarity and helps you tap into inspiration from higher levels of awareness. Carnelian supports the visual artist, including painters, sculptors, and photographers. Whether your art is for decorative, commercial, or fine purposes, carnelian encourages the manifestation of your artistic vision.
frequented The Crystal Garden. Decades of interacting with people about their choice of crystal was the best training ever! Of course, I read books about crystals, but mostly, I observed my customers. When customers would ask me for a stone for a specific purpose, I would direct them to the gemstone displays to pick what they were naturally attracted to. My staff and I still do this all these years later, and it has proven time and again that people are naturally drawn to the stone they need. My customers shared their challenges and issues, and I would observe which stones they chose to help them heal, realign, attract relationships, or create prosperity in their lives.
Synchronicity is at its best running a store like mine. It’s not unusual for a customer to ask for a specific rock that might not be in stock or that I haven’t heard of. Within a few days, I will inevitably come across that gemstone through one of my rock dealers. Not only is this great for customer relations, but it also adds another level of awakening to my own path as a gemstone enthusiast. Of course, if I get that gem in the store for my customer, I must have one for my own collection to help me on my life’s journey too! This fieldwork has been invaluable. At the time, I didn’t realize it would become part of my knowledge base for numerous books and decks.
My first book, Chakra Awakening: Transform Your Reality Using Crystals, Color, Aromatherapy & the Power of Positive Thought, is the
foundation of the many books and decks that followed, including this one. This book covered many of my interests: crystals, aromatherapy, chakras, and color. Using colors to benefit certain situations was a part of my life even during my banking years; as a bank division manager, I taught my staff courses on how to work with color for personal power and self-development. This knowledge translated beautifully as I transitioned into running my own metaphysical store and authoring many books and decks.
Over the years, I have realized that the world of crystals is a major part of my soul’s purpose. It only took a few years for me to realize that my life would be enmeshed with the gemstone kingdom. Using these treasures from the earth is a great way to awaken spiritual consciousness. Working with crystals activates the energy of the chakras, especially when you use them with focused intent. Crystals and a clear intention have gotten me through many tough moments in my life.
The use of gemstones is wide and varied. I see them as beautiful friends from the earth, sparkling with beauty and innate vibrations. Throughout this book, I will share how you can work with crystals to improve your life on all levels: spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. One of my goals for this book is to teach you how to change unconscious influences into conscious intentions using crystals as a tool for self-awareness.
Chapter One bringing crystals into your life
How to Find Them, How to Care for Them, and More
If you have walked into a crystal shop or browsed crystals online, you might have felt drawn to specific stones. This is normal. Trust your gut and choose crystals because you like the way they look; try not to look up their meanings initially. You will naturally be attracted to what you need at any given moment.
You don’t need to be a lightworker or a metaphysician to add crystals to your life. Crystals are for everyone! For example, emerald, lapis lazuli, jasper, and carnelian were used in ancient Egyptian amulets; crystal healing is a practice found
in Hinduism; and the use of gemstones was mentioned in the Bible. Aaron, the brother of Moses and high priest of the Israelites, was said to have a breastplate with twelve gems: carnelian, chrysolite (probably chrysoberyl), emerald, turquoise, sapphire, amethyst, jacinth, agate, quartz, beryl (probably aquamarine), lapis lazuli, and jasper.
So, no matter who you are or what you believe, you can work with crystals to make changes that will improve your life in the short term and the long term. Pairing gemstones with your intentions can change your life. After all, when you change your mind, you change your life. Make a conscious decision to improve and then use gemstones to stay focused on your intended outcome.
The Short, Sweet Guide to Gemology
This is a very brief gemology lesson to give you some insight into the types of stones.
• Minerals are naturally occurring materials containing chemical, physical, and optical parts.
• Aggregates consist of a mixture of minerals that can be manually separated.
• Rocks are mineral aggregates that contain one or more minerals.
• Crystals are minerals that have smooth sides, a point, and edges.
• Gemstone is a broad term that includes organic and man-made, inorganic, gemlike materials.
• Fossils are the preserved remains of plants, animals, and other living organisms from the past.
• Quartz is silicon dioxide that crystallizes and is found in masses. Depending on its color, quartz is found in many forms, including amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, rose quartz, and rock crystal quartz.
• Chalcedony is a family of stones that includes agate and jasper. These stones are composed of tiny or microscopic quartz.
• Obsidian is a natural glass formed during the cooling of volcanic lava.
• Igneous rocks are solid lava or magma. Magma is a liquid rock inside a volcano, and lava is the liquid rock (magma) that flows out of a volcano.
• Metamorphic rocks are rocks changed by heat, pressure, or other natural means.
• Sedimentary rocks are rock types formed by the deposit of material at the earth’s surface and within bodies of water.
Although gemological references are made throughout this little book, further gemology information is beyond the scope of
Crystals for Fire Signs
Fire signs’ positive attributes are typically creativity, passion, and courage. They are innovative, inspired, spontaneous, and thoughtful. Here are some gemstones that amplify these signs’ positive attributes.
ARIES (MARCH 21–APRIL 19): The key phrase is “I am.” Mars is Aries’ planetary ruler. People born under the sign of Aries are good leaders and great at starting projects, though they might need a bit of extra motivation to finish the job. Orange and red stones support Aries’ qualities. Carnelian, a stone of creativity, energizes you to take action on your ideas. Garnet, a stone of passion and determination, releases procrastination and manifests your desires. Ruby is a stone of motivation and inner strength and can get you fired up if you lack enthusiasm.
LEO (JULY 23–AUGUST 22): The key phrase is “I will.” The fifth sign, Leo, has the Sun—a light and luminary—as its planetary ruler. Leos like the limelight and have high self-confidence. Golden topaz increases courage, amplifies self-esteem,
and focuses on positive energy and good thoughts.
Peridot is the traditional gemstone for Leo and helps you transcend challenges and access your inner strength. The transformative vibration of peridot shifts self-sabotage, jealousy, and impatience. Sunstone’s luminosity illuminates the power of your mind to create and attract good fortune. Use it for spiritual magnificence and brilliance as it raises your self-esteem.
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21):
The key phrase is “I see.” Jupiter, the benevolent planet, is this sign’s planetary ruler. Sagittariuses are abstract thinkers and are ready to learn new things; they enjoy traveling to expand their horizons. Blue topaz, the traditional gemstone for Sagittarius, is a stone of mental clarity. It brings inspiration, calms emotions, and increases intuitive guidance. Lapis lazuli helps you listen to the small voice within and focus on higher knowledge and scholarly subjects. Sodalite is a good grounding stone. Use it for focus and meditation, balancing emotions, and releasing anger and frustration. It is also an excellent study aid when learning something new.
this book. The information here is meant to enhance your body, mind, and spirit with conscious attention paired with crystals.
All Shapes and Sizes
Crystals, minerals, and stones come in various shapes and sizes. You can obtain gemstones in their natural state, or you can buy crystals that are tumbled, polished, and/or cut into various geometric configurations.
Rough
Rough stones are a raw form of the mineral found in nature. They have an unpolished appearance. Typically, the color and shine of the stone are muted in its rough form. Rough stones are created by taking a hammer to a larger chunk of rock. The stone will come apart in the direction of its natural cleave. Cleavage refers to how a gemstone breaks along a line of weakness or a weakly bonded plane. These rough stones are then sold. Rough chunks are more affordable than, say, a fine specimen. Whereas a rough stone is simply a chunk of rock, a fine specimen is a naturally occurring gem that shows off the rock’s natural cleave, cubic shape, druzy (a natural formation of tiny crystals), or cluster formation.
Gemstone clusters grow within the veins of mountains worldwide, and every gemstone cluster is one of a kind. Clusters are a family of points that share a common matrix. The cluster, there-
fore, represents community connections, starting with a happy family life and learning how to share common ground even though each point/person is unique.
There is sacred geometry within all life, and it is more apparent in raw gemstone specimens. Awareness of a stone’s geometry helps delve into the spiritual and metaphysical meanings behind shapes and patterns.
Tumbled
Tumbled stones are rocks that have been polished, rounded, and smoothed. They are the polished versions of rough stones. Tumbled stones are made using a rock tumbler, which incorporates water, grit, and polish. While tumbling enhances the colors and patterns of the stone, this process can take days, weeks, or even months.
Tumbled stones are popular and are found throughout most New Age stores. They are a good option when starting your crystal collection, as tumbled stones and rough, unpolished stones are typically more affordable than other forms.
Shaped
Stones are available as points, palm stones, spheres, worry stones, and in many other shapes, including animals, flowers, bonsai trees, hearts, and pyramids.
A crystal point is easy to hold in your hand, display, or gaze into. Another popular option is the palm stone, which is typically a large oval stone that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Many shops sell rocks shaped like spheres, crystal balls, or orbs, which is a stunning way to show off a gemstone. They are pleasant to gaze at during meditation practice because spheres help us connect with the oneness of life. Depending on the density of the stone, they are also beautifully illuminated on a light box. Worry stones are usually about two inches long and one and a half inches wide. They are oval with a thumb-sized indentation. The concave shape is an area that can be rubbed back and forth to calm the mind.
Crystals carved into animal shapes are a great way to introduce the gemstone kingdom to children, though adults are equally attracted to animal shapes and tend to collect specific animals such as owls or cats. Sometimes, you can find a gemstone carved into a rose, a lotus, or another floral shape; these make pretty additions to the home or your desk. Gemstone bonsai trees are a great hostess gift or a nice addition to a home’s décor. Gemstone trees come in various stone combinations and sizes and are used for good luck, healing, prosperity, or protection. Heart-shaped gemstones are prolific and popular for heart-centered spiritual development. They make good handheld stones to refocus energy and represent love, friendship, and compassion. Gems shaped
Crystals for Careers in Building
Pyrite crystallizes in the cubic system, representing building blocks and strong foundations, which makes it a perfect pairing for general contractors. Focus on pyrite to strengthen your self-confidence and financial success. Commonly used in electrical wiring, copper’s conductive qualities support creative thinking and problem-solving skills; therefore, it is good for electricians. The historic nature of this metal increases your ability to access your creative gifts for substantial monetary gain. Sardonyx amplifies your innate invention skills, which supports engineers. Use sardonyx when doing research and developing products or projects.
like pyramids are useful to amplify focus. They have a grounding force, and the point aligns you with your intentions.
You can find gemstones in so many forms. Even if a stone is polished smooth, its inherent geometric pattern is present. The energy is still there, though it has changed. Let yourself be naturally attracted to stones without much thought about the form. It is your intention, paired with the stone you like, that brings your intended goal into reality.
Finding Crystals
Visit a local metaphysical shop or rock shop. You can google “crystal shop near me” to see all your options. When you arrive, see if a staff member will show you around before you start shopping. Start by walking the entire store to see what they carry, making mental notes as you browse. Use your intuition to make your choices. Avoid looking up a crystal’s meaning immediately.
Often, metaphysical stores will have shelf-talkers or stone signs describing the main uses of each stone. There may be copies of gemstone books for sale that you could reference to learn about the stone you’ve chosen. If they have stone signs available, grab one for each rock you pick so you’ll remember what you purchased when you get home. Some people like to take photos with the stone sign and crystal next to each other for future reference.
There are also reputable online sources for purchasing gemstones. For example, my store currently offers a weekly Facebook Live event to show off the stones that just arrived. We show them on Facebook Live before they are placed in the showrooms to give our online customers first dibs on the new arrivals. You can find live events on most social media platforms with a little searching. Live events are fun and interactive, and you can usually get a good look at a stone before buying it. Watch a few live events before buying to find reputable sources.
Cleansing Crystals
Once you have purchased a crystal, you should clear it, also known as cleansing. There are many clearing techniques for crystals. It is great to have choices depending on the situation or environment.
Water
One of my favorite ways to cleanse crystals is to rinse them under running tap water. It doesn’t seem very glamorous or ritualistic to rinse crystals in the kitchen sink, but water is a profound clearing agent that revitalizes the stone’s flow.
In my experience, a quick rinse will not affect the integrity of the stones as long as they are dried immediately. However, not all gemstones should be run under water; some are susceptible to water damage. For example, gems that end in -ite
Body, Mind & Spirit / Crystals
Discover the best crystals to enhance your life with this full-color guide by expert Margaret Ann Lembo. Featuring 40 popular crystals and their correspondences, this essential companion o ers exercises and tips to boost focus, strengthen intentions, and develop intuition. Whether you seek prosperity, clarity, love, or better health, this little book holds limitless crystal magic.
$15.99 US
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